Month: September 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) is delighted to announce today (September 18) that a summit held by the Investopia, the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) leading investment platform and ecosystem, concluded yesterday (September 17). Held in partnership with The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), this was Investopia’s inaugural summit in Greater China. Led by the Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment, Mr Mohammad Alhawi, the event brought together a distinguished delegation of senior government officials, chief executive officers, chamber representatives, and business leaders from the UAE, underscoring its commitment to deepening economic ties with Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

The event opened by a video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee. The Investopia Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jean Fares, the HSBC Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer, Ms Luanne Lim, and the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau, also gave remarks. The HSBC UAE Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mohamed Al Marzooqi, hosted a panel discussion on the future of commerce, and how innovation in trade infrastructure is accelerating corridor connectivity.

Hong Kong’s strategic position as a gateway linking the Chinese Mainland, the UAE, and the wider Middle East and North Africa region was a key theme of the summit. The event highlighted the natural synergies between the economies, with Hong Kong’s strengths in finance, fintech, and logistics complementing the UAE’s role as a globally connected investment hub and a leading destination for Chinese capital and innovation.

The event concluded with a high-level dialogue between the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan and Mr Mohammad Alhawi, reinforcing a shared vision for a dynamic UAE-Hong Kong partnership.

The Hong Kong edition of Investopia summit signals a new chapter in UAE-Hong Kong collaboration, with the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) covering strategic sectors such as financial services, start-up ecosystems, logistics, trade infrastructure, and capital markets. These MOUs set practical frameworks for regulatory dialogue and market connectivity, co-investment, start-up soft landings, and talent exchanges. By aligning policy objectives with programs and pilots, these agreements aim to unlock new financing channels for high-growth companies, lower barriers to dual-market access, and accelerate innovation across priority sectors – laying the foundation for durable, mutually beneficial innovation and investment corridors between the UAE and Hong Kong.

The signed MOUs included an agreement between the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) and the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the UAE which establishes a Mutual Recognition Framework (MRF) for investment funds, enabling public funds authorised in one jurisdiction to be distributed in a streamlined approval process. The MOU was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the SFC, Ms Julia Leung, and the Chief Executive Officer of the SCA, Mr Waleed Saeed Abdul Salam Al Awadhi.

The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) also signed an MOU to enhance co-operation and strengthen connectivity between the capital markets of Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi. The MOU was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the HKEX, Ms Bonnie Chan and the ADX Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi.

Hub71 signed a total of three MOUs, one with Cyberport, one with MTR Lab and one with the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP). These deals will allow the parties to support start-ups in both Hong Kong and the UAE to establish a presence in each other’s jurisdiction and fast-track access to grants. The three MOUs will help to incubate the most dynamic young companies, thereby increasing the vibrancy and dynamism of the business ecosystems in both places. The MOUs were signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Hub71, Mr Ahmad Ali Alwan and representatives from Cyberport, MTR Lab and the HSITP.

Mr Alhawi said, “Since its founding, Investopia has stood as a catalyst for global dialogue, a bridge for opportunity, and a platform for connecting visionary investors and innovators. Our deepening partnership with Hong Kong – a dynamic financial hub that shares many of the UAE’s ambitions and strengths – reflects the accelerating momentum of cross-border collaboration. This landmark event marks a pivotal moment, with strategic agreements that pave the way for transformative growth across high-impact sectors.”

Ms Lau said, “Invest Hong Kong’s mission is to connect global businesses with opportunities in Hong Kong, and to promote and facilitate investment. As key links in the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong and the UAE have distinct yet complementary roles, both being important international hubs. We see significant potential to deepen collaboration across green finance, fintech, family offices and cross-border investment. InvestHK is committed to supporting UAE businesses in their growth journey, providing them with the resources and expertise they need to thrive in this dynamic region.”

Mr Marzooqi said, “Investopia reminds us that the future of commerce lies in corridors, not borders. The corridors connecting Asia and the UAE are no longer just about moving goods, they are about enabling every kind of flow, including trade, capital, talent, and innovation. From securities services to digital trade and payments, HBSC is helping clients harness these flows with confidence. That’s the true opportunity of the corridor, to turn connectivity into seamless growth.”

The UAE delegation included representatives from leading UAE government bodies and investment promotion agencies (such as the UAE Ministry of Investment, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the SCA of the UAE, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, and HUB71), major financial institutions and sovereign wealth funds (including ADQ, Emirates Development Bank, and First Abu Dhabi Bank), chambers of commerce, and industry-leading enterprises such as EDGE, Al Dhow Holding, and Sunset Hospitality Group. Their participation reflects the UAE’s strategic vision to foster global dialogue, enable partnerships, and facilitate the flow of capital into high-impact opportunities.

Since its launch in 2021, Investopia has attracted over 11 500 participants from more than 70 countries, including hundreds of ministerial-level officials and over 1 000 global business executives. The platform continues to establish itself as a key force shaping global investment trends and driving forward-looking dialogues on the future of the world economy.

To download the event photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720329097410.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

As the Hong Kong Observatory will issue the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 between 9am and 11am tomorrow (September 19), classes of kindergartens, schools for children with physical disability and schools for children with intellectual disability will be suspended tomorrow.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Department of Health (DH) today (September 18) announced that two individuals presented with septic shock after receiving intravenous infusions at a premises called “Bioscor Hong Kong” in Central. Both of them were hospitalised and are currently in stable condition. The DH urged individuals who received injections at this premises to seek immediate medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Departments (AED) of public hospitals if they experience symptoms such as fever, chills, dizziness or vomiting.
 
The premises in question is located in Room 2301, Crawford House, 70 Queens Road Central, Central. Its website claims the premises offers hair care, beauty treatments, skincare, “body prettifying” and intravenous injections.
 
A preliminary investigation revealed that two 57-year-old females visited the premises yesterday (September 17) to receive intravenous infusions, purportedly containing Nicotinamide Mononucleotide. Both women developed chills shortly after the infusion, followed by fever and vomiting. They sought medical attention at Queen Mary Hospital and Canossa Hospital (Caritas) respectively. Their clinical diagnosis was septic shock. They are in stable condition after treatment and remain hospitalised.
 
The staff members of the DH and the Police conducted an investigation at the premises. Three persons suspected of illegal practice of medicine were arrested. Investigation is ongoing.  
 
The DH urged individuals who have received intravenous infusions at this premises to seek immediate medical attention at AED of public hospitals if they experience symptoms such as fever, chills, dizziness or vomiting.
 
In November 2013, the Steering Committee on Review of Regulation of Private Healthcare Facilities set up by the Government endorsed the report submitted by its Working Group on Differentiation between Medical Procedures and Beauty Services. The report recommended that certain procedures, in view of their inherent risks, should only be performed by registered medical practitioners/registered dentists, namely procedures that involve injections, procedures that involve the mechanical or chemical exfoliation of the skin below the epidermis, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and dental bleaching.
 
In response to the Steering Committee’s recommendations, the Government promptly issued an advisory note to the industry, advising them to refrain from performing the aforementioned procedures if they are not themselves registered medical practitioners/registered dentists. Non-compliance may render oneself liable for offences under the Medical Registration Ordinance (Cap. 161) or the Dentists Registration Ordinance (Cap. 156). The DH has also issued letters to registered medical practitioners and registered dentists, reminding them to strictly observe the Code of Professional Conduct issued by their respective Council when performing relevant procedures within their scope of practice.
 
Furthermore, the DH reminded members of the public that any injection procedures should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should ascertain the doctor’s full name, verify their registration on the list of registered doctors of the Medical Council of Hong Kong, inquire about their professional qualifications and relevant credentials. The DH also urged the public to pay heed to the following health advice before receiving any injection procedures:
 
•  Understand the details of the procedure, potential risks and possible complications before receiving the injections. Consult with the doctor to make an informed decision;
•  Refrain from receiving injections from unidentified sources as their quality and efficacy cannot be guaranteed;
•  Do not receive an injection if you have a history of allergy to the injection or if the intended injection site is infected or inflamed;
•  Request the full name of the doctor in writing if you are referred by a beauty service provider for the procedure. Verify the doctor’s professional qualifications and credentials; and
•  Seek medical attention immediately if you develop symptoms such as a fever or feel unwell.
 
According to section 28 of the Medical Registration Ordinance (Cap 161) (MRO), subject to the provision of section 28(3) of the MRO, if any person who is not being registered or provisionally registered or exempted from registration practises medicine or surgery, or does any medical diagnosis, prescribes any medical treatment or performs any medical treatment (including surgery) in relation to a person which results in personal injury to that person, he commits an offence. The offender will be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $200,000 and to imprisonment for three years, or on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for seven years.
 
Members of the public may visit the DH’s webpage on the differentiation between medical procedures and beauty services and the Drug Database of the Drug Office for more information.​

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, at the Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association (HKJJA) 60th Anniversary Banquet tonight (September 18):

Director-General Zhu Xiaodong (Director-General of the Kowloon Sub-office of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), President Andrew Leung (Legislative Council President), Mr Suttipong Damrongsakul (President, ASEAN Gems and Jewellery Trade Association), Mr Victor Chan (Chairman, HKJJA), Mr Benedict Sin (President & Director, HKJJA), ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. It is my great pleasure to join you tonight to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association and the inauguration of the new-term Council of Management. 

Let me first congratulate HKJJA on reaching an important milestone, celebrating six decades of leading and serving Hong Kong’s jewellery and jade industry. In the modern market, where consumer taste keeps changing, technology keeps advancing, product life cycle keeps shortening, and profit margin keeps shrinking, it is no easy feat for the jewellery and jade industry to stay competitive. In these regards, HKJJA is adept at helping members expand into different markets, staying abreast of the latest trends and technologies in overseas markets, and providing quality assurance and authentication services for the industry, thereby leading the industry to rise to different challenges and establishing Hong Kong as a world-renowned hub for the jewellery trade.

Apart from business, HKJJA has demonstrated a strong sense of corporate social responsibility. Since 2005, HKJJA has been the pilot of the Adopt-A-School Project, which provides learning opportunities and pre-vocational training on jewellery for underprivileged and ethnic minority students, to broaden their horizons through absorbing off-campus knowledge. I am delighted to learn that, this summer, HKJJA launched a three-day summer workshop for high school students to gain experience in creative design and digital media marketing, which would help their exploration of future education and career paths. I hope that HKJJA would continue to work together with the Government to build a stronger talent pool to meet the needs of Hong Kong and the industry in the long run.

The pandemic a few years back significantly impacted Hong Kong’s economy. While the economy is steadily recovering, it remains clear that Hong Kong needs to upgrade ourselves, develop new industries, and extend our network to the up-and-coming markets. Just yesterday, the Chief Executive announced his Policy Address, and set out his vision of boosting the economy and enhancing people’s livelihood, credibly underpinned by over 700 measures across different sectors. I am confident that the economy will continue to bounce back and go forward, and high value-added businesses like the jewellery and jade industry, led by HKJJA, will make important contributions to and stand to benefit from our economic growth.

In closing, I congratulate HKJJA for successfully hosting the 2025 ASEAN Gems and Jewellery Trade Association Conference this morning and wish you all an enjoyable and memorable evening. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, attended in Nanning, Guangxi, today (September 18) the China-ASEAN Commercial Law Forum, a parallel forum of the 22nd China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, to promote the advantages of Hong Kong’s legal services in bringing in enterprises and facilitating Mainland enterprises in going global, with a view to fostering ties between Hong Kong and Guangxi to support Mainland enterprises expanding their business in overseas markets.
 
     Upon his arrival yesterday (September 17), Dr Cheung met with the Director-General of the Department of Justice of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Mr Li Daojun. They had in-depth discussions on strengthening co-operation between the legal sectors of the two places, especially in the areas of commercial mediation, arbitration, and training of foreign-related legal talent.
 
     Dr Cheung said that with the country advancing high-level opening up, now is the time for Mainland enterprises to expand globally. Guangxi, as the country’s bridgehead facing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and an important gateway connecting the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and the Silk Road Economic Belt under the Belt and Road Initiative, has achieved leapfrog growth in foreign trade in recent years. Meanwhile, Hong Kong, enjoying the advantage of connecting the Mainland and the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, is the only common law jurisdiction in China and also a major international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region. With world-class professional services in fields such as law, accounting, finance and tax, Hong Kong can serve as a two-way platform for enterprises to go global and attract external investment.

     Dr Cheung said, in “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address” announced by the Chief Executive yesterday, he is tasked with promoting Hong Kong’s legal services and will collaborate with other professional service sectors, such as accounting and finance, to support Mainland enterprises wishing to expand overseas. This trip is of great significance in promoting the complementary advantages between Hong Kong and Guangxi, creating room for development for legal services in both places, and providing robust support for Mainland enterprises to expand overseas.
 
     Dr Cheung thanked the Department of Justice of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Guangxi Committee for their invitation to the Forum. He said the forum would help strengthen legal protection for regional economic and trade co-operation and deepen the understanding of Guangxi and ASEAN countries in leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages to go global.
 
     The Forum, organised by the CCPIT, the People’s Government of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and the chambers of commerce of the 10 ASEAN member countries, attracted over 300 attendees, including legal and business professionals, representatives from lawtech companies and academics from Mainland and ASEAN countries. The Secretary-General of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law, Professor Ignacio Tirado, and the President of High People’s Court of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Mr Huang Hailong, also spoke at the Forum.
 
     Addressing the Forum, Dr Cheung said that Hong Kong has been a very active participant and supporter since the introduction of the Belt and Road Initiative. To contribute to the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, the rule of law must continue to be strengthened. For fostering a world-class business environment that is international, market-oriented, and based on the rule of law, Hong Kong can provide a range of high-quality professional services, including financial and international legal services.
 
     Elaborating on the characteristics of Hong Kong’s legal system that earns international trust, Dr Cheung said that Hong Kong, with its wealth of international legal talents, advanced lawtech, a unique bilingual common law system that is stable, convenient, secure, trustworthy, and interfaces with Mainland’s legal system, has a legal framework unique in the world. It can effectively implement various projects under the Belt and Road Initiative.
 
     He also mentioned that Hong Kong is actively promoting the use of innovative technologies, such as blockchain technology and artificial intelligence, to build capacity for meeting the rapidly growing demand for cross-border dispute resolution services, and to develop into a lawtech centre and hub.
 
     During the keynote session, the Director of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Office of the Department of Justice, Dr Yang Ling, spoke on the development of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy and the progress of its capacity building projects. Dr Yang reviewed the Academy’s training programmes since its establishment in November last year, including collaboration with international organisations and ministries of the country. She welcomed the legal sectors of ASEAN countries to collaborate with the Academy in training legal talent in cross-border dispute resolution and emerging legal fields. She also said that the Academy will continue to leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle and being the world’s only bilingual common law jurisdiction to provide a platform for capacity building, knowledge and experience sharing for legal professionals in regions along the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international legal and dispute resolution centre in the Asia-Pacific region and contribute to the country’s efforts to promote the construction of the foreign-related rule of law.

     Dr Cheung then met with the Chairperson of the CCPIT Guangxi Committee, Ms Yang Yanyan, and representatives from the Guangxi Lawyers Association, business community, and overseas legal professionals, including those from ASEAN countries, to exchange views on topics such as the challenges faced by Mainland enterprises in going global and cross-border professional services in supporting Mainland enterprises.
 
     In addition, accompanied by Deputy Director-General of the Department of Justice of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Mr Liang Hemin, Dr Cheung visited the China-ASEAN Commercial Arbitration Cooperation Center to learn about China and ASEAN countries’ co-operation in the field of arbitration. The Center is a platform for international commercial arbitration exchange and co-operation established by the People’s Government of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and the Ministry of Justice. Moreover, he toured the Guangxi International Civil and Commercial Mediation Center as well as China (Guangxi) Pilot Free Trade Zone Public Legal Service Center for better understanding of their operations.
 
     Tomorrow (September 19), Dr Cheung will attend and speak at the International Legal Practice Conference 2025 – ASEAN Orientation and return to Hong Kong afterwards.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Director of Immigration, Mr Benson Kwok, led a delegation to attend the 2025 Conference of Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang) held in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, from September 16 to 18. The delegation participated in the main forum, the sub-forum on Migration Management Cooperation, and the Seminar on Regional Immigration Governance Policy as a member of the delegation of the People’s Republic of China. The delegation also engaged in in-depth exchanges with senior law enforcement officials of various countries, representatives of international organisations, and academics on matters including immigration management and talent attraction.  

     Delivering a speech at the plenary session of the sub-forum on Migration Management Cooperation, Mr Kwok stated that the conference echoed the vision of “building a global community of shared future” put forward by President Xi Jinping. He said the conference created an important platform for immigration management authorities around the world to enhance co-operation, share experiences, and jointly promote the development of immigration services. Mr Kwok stressed that the Immigration Department (ImmD) is committed to implementing facilitative immigration measures and an open visa policy to promote exchanges among people from different countries and regions, thereby contributing to the advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative. At the same time, the ImmD will continue to discharge its responsibility to safeguard national security, strive to guard the southern gateway to the country, and protect national sovereignty, security, and development interests.  

     The Lianyungang Forum was initiated by the Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China in 2015 and was upgraded in 2022 to become the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang), upholding the principle of “Cooperative Security for Common Prosperity” to help the international community better co-ordinate development and security. The conference, themed “Shaping Global Public Security Together: United Action to Tackle Diverse Threats”, was attended by nearly 2 000 guests from 120 countries, regions and international organisations, discussing key global public security issues and striving to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind featuring universal security and common prosperity.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan today in Nanning, Guangxi, attended the China-ASEAN Commercial Law Forum to promote the advantages of Hong Kong’s legal services in bringing in enterprises and facilitating Mainland enterprises in going global, with a view to fostering ties between Hong Kong and Guangxi to support Mainland enterprises expanding their business in overseas markets.

Mr Cheung said the forum would help strengthen legal protection for regional economic and trade co-operation and deepen the understanding of Guangxi and Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries in leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages to go global.

A parallel forum of the 22nd China-ASEAN Business & Investment Summit, the event attracted over 300 attendees, including legal and business professionals, representatives from lawtech companies and academics from Mainland and ASEAN countries.

Addressing the forum, Mr Cheung said that to contribute to the high-quality development of the Belt & Road Initiative, the rule of law must continue to be strengthened.

He noted that for fostering a world-class business environment that is international, market-oriented, and based on the rule of law, Hong Kong can provide a range of high-quality professional services, including financial and international legal services.

Elaborating on the characteristics of Hong Kong’s legal system that earns international trust, Mr Cheung said that Hong Kong, with its wealth of international legal talents, advanced lawtech, a unique bilingual common law system that is stable, convenient, secure, trustworthy, and interfaces with Mainland’s legal system, has a legal framework unique in the world. It can effectively implement various projects under the Belt & Road Initiative.

He also mentioned that Hong Kong is actively promoting the use of innovative technologies, such as blockchain technology and artificial intelligence, to build capacity for meeting the rapidly growing demand for cross-border dispute resolution services, and to develop into a lawtech centre and hub.

Upon his arrival yesterday, Mr Cheung met Director-General of the Department of Justice of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Li Daojun. They had in-depth discussions on strengthening co-operation between the legal sectors of the two places, especially in the areas of commercial mediation, arbitration, and training of foreign-related legal talent.

Mr Cheung said that with the country advancing high-level opening up, now is the time for Mainland enterprises to expand globally.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong, enjoying the advantage of connecting the Mainland and the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, is the only common law jurisdiction in China and also a major international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region.

With world-class professional services in fields such as law, accounting, finance and tax, Hong Kong can serve as a two-way platform for enterprises to go global and attract external investment.

Mr Cheung added that in the 2025 Policy Address announced yesterday, he is tasked with promoting Hong Kong’s legal services and will collaborate with other professional service sectors, such as accounting and finance, to support Mainland enterprises wishing to expand overseas.

He said this trip is of great significance in promoting the complementary advantages between Hong Kong and Guangxi, creating room for development for legal services in both places, and providing robust support for Mainland enterprises to expand overseas.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesman for Kowloon Hospital (KH) made the following announcement today (Sep 18):

     Six patients (aged 23 to 55) in a male psychiatric ward have presented with symptoms of fever or respiratory symptoms since September 15. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patients, and their test results were positive for Influenza A. Two patients are currently hospitalised at Queen Elizabeth Hospital for other medical needs, and the remaining four patients are being treated in isolation in KH. All patients are in stable condition.
 
     Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward concerned are under close surveillance.
 
     The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.